KILLER KITBAG ESSENTIALS

To help you keep your kitbag stocked up with true essentials, we’ve curated a list of some of the top products on the market – but don’t just take our word for it…

PLAY TIME

“My go-to essential product is Murdock London’s Hair Play. It’s a versatile styling cream that can be used as a pre-blow-dry product or as a finishing product. I use it on almost every client, whether I’m blow-drying the hair smooth and off the face or applying into longer, shaggier lengths as a finishing product – and it’s even great to diffuse into curly hair. It’s lightweight, it makes the hair look and feel healthy and it has a great medium hold that is reworkable. I honestly don’t go a day without using it.”

Ben Vowles, Master Barber at Murdock London

PART OF THE CREW

“There are four products that I never leave out of my kitbag: American Crew Firm Hold Gel is a must; it’s a strong hold gel that can be used as a base product and dried in with a hairdryer with ease. It can also be used as a finishing product to achieve a high shine. Then I have three pucks which I always carry, but if I had to choose, it would be the new American Crew Whip – which has rapidly become a go-to for clients, as well as when I’m on a photoshoot. Whip for me has a light, pliable hold with a natural shine – Idry it into fine hair to add thickness and control.”

Ian Harrold, Attitude Men’s Hair

TOTAL TEXTURE

“Dark Stag Salt Spray is my go-to product in my kit bag because it’s perfect for almost everything! It brings out the texture in a short, cropped cut beautifully, it helps bring life to waves and curls without making the hair crunchy and dry, and it gives just the right hold and volume when dried into a pompadour. On top of that, it actually smells incredible. I love using it in my own hair to give that lived in, just got back from the beach look. It really is my all round go to styling product.”

Bethan Brennan, Cresswell Barber Co.

THE PERFECT TONIC

“If I had to choose just one standout product it would be our Grooming Tonic, simply because I love the diversity it offers. It can be used to help with sectioning when doing longer scissor work, as it provides a small amount of hold when used on wet hair. You can use it as a pre-blow dry, as the Argan Oil in the product helps to protect hair from heat, and I even think it’s great when used on its own, creating a soft finish which is great for curly hair. A top tip of mine is that it also works great as a topper product; applying a small amount on top of already styled hair gives a healthy glow and shine.”

Paul Taylor-Clinch, Technical Training Manager for Reuzel Europe

TIME TO SHINE

“Uppercut Deluxe ‘Deluxe Pomade’ has been a staple styling product for me for the past 10 years. This water-soluble pomade is perfect for achieving a classic, high-shine look that lasts all day without feeling stiff or crunchy. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used to create a range of timeless styles – from slicked-back looks to pompadours and quiffs. Additionally, the coconut scent gives off a fresh and clean aroma that complements any style. Uppercut Deluxe Pomade is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the timeless, classic looks and definitely deserves a place in your kit bag.”

George Coady, Trait Studio

PRECISION AND POWER

“Like a lot of other barbers, I’ve been so excited for the BaByliss PRO LoProFX to drop. There’s a new Cordless Clipper and Skeleton Trimmer, which echo the same power and precision as the core ranges from BaByliss PRO but come in a brand new black matt metal housing. It’s the classic clipper but reimagined with modern barbers in mind and the ergonomic housing is built to sit comfortably in your hand. Plus, you get a massive 120 minutes of continuous run-time on a full charge, and it’s useable both corded or cordless – so you’re never out of power.”

Tariq Howes, BaByliss Pro Ambassador and Owner at Avenue Male Grooming